Are swivel desk chairs authentic antiques?

Yes, revolving mechanisms with central iron spindles and wooden scroll seats appear frequently in late Victorian and Edwardian pieces. These functional designs were built for offices and libraries, combining timber frames with adjustable height screws and heavy castors.

What is the difference between a library chair and a Gainsborough chair?

A library chair generally refers to any comfortable upholstered seating designed for reading rooms, while a Gainsborough specifically denotes a mid-18th-century open-armed chair with a low back and wide seat. Both utilise mahogany frames and leather or fabric upholstery suited to writing desks.

How do I care for leather upholstery on an antique chair?

Leather surfaces benefit from gentle cleaning and occasional applications of neutral wax or specialised leather conditioner to prevent cracking. Avoiding direct sunlight and excessive heat preserves both the supple texture of the hide and the polished mahogany timber surrounding it.

How can I tell a Georgian chair from a Victorian revival?

Georgian pieces exhibit hand-cut joinery, dense Cuban mahogany, and patination developed over centuries of use. Victorian revival examples often show machine-turned elements, standardised screw fittings, and slightly heavier proportions influenced by earlier eras.